Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport 2026 application
The Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture program has been developed to bring together regional cooperation involving 116 settlements is one of the greatest achievements of the program series. Our long-term goals include maintaining this strong network of relationships across the region and, and, if necessary, filling it with new content.
This is why Veszprém has decided to take the initiative once again and, using this strong network of connections, to launch the "European Capital of Sport 2026".
The greatest success and largest investment of the European Capital of Culture program series is the competition for the cities, provided they are able to carry on the legacy created in the competition. Veszprém has chosen an excellent project for this, by applying for the title of European City of Sport. This title conveys the message that exercise should be a source of joy in everyday life, a means of maintaining health and a tool for social cohesion. The channel of communication has changed, with culture giving way to sport and recreational exercise. The goals are no less ambitious than ensuring equal access to leisure activities for the widest possible social groups, creating the conditions necessary for a healthy lifestyle, and positioning the region positioning of regional health, leisure programs, and regional cooperation.
Our application process is based on the following principles:
Movement performed with pleasure: movement should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or background.
Full motivation: striving for the best is important, even in everyday physical activity – the joy of individual development is what counts.
Community spirit: sport strengthens human relationships, builds communities, and unites us.
Fair play and sportsmanship: we treat each other with respect, and through sport we learn honesty, fairness, and cooperation.
Improving health: regular exercise contributes to a longer, healthier and happier life.
Advisors participating in the competition:
Péter Berényi (National Institute for Sports Development and Methodology - Budapest), Anita Detre (Andante Sport, Educational and Cultural Association - Zirc), László Edvy nbsp;(Pannon University Institute of Physical Education), Péter Finta (Hungarian Football Association, Veszprém County Directorate), Gyurkó Alexandranbsp;Alexandra Gyurkó (Hungarian Transplant Association, transplant recipient, three-time European champion swimmer - Herend), András Harangvölgyi (Balaton Uplands Cycling Association - Balatonfüred), Rita Havasi (Balaton Sports Association (petanque, mölkky) - Szigliget), Balázs Jassek (STEG.HU Higher underground, business owner), Balázs Kiss (Olympic champion hammer thrower), Koós-Hutás Lászlónbsp (Veszprémi Egyetemi és Diák Atlétikai Klub (VEDAC)), Kővári Edit (Pannon University), Navratyil Sándor (Association of People with Disabilities and Their Friends in Balatonfüred, three-time Paralympian - Balatonfüred), Orbán Éva (sports representative, Veszprém MJV Mayor's Office, Olympian), Zita Pálmai (Veszprém County Student Sports Association), Zsuzsa Pischné Bankó (Pannon Veszprém SE, Hungarian Handball Federation), Annamária Steiner-Isky (Hungarian State Opera Foundation for Young Artists (chair of the board of trustees) - Budapest), Balázs Tilinger (Hungarian School Sports Federation), Anikó Tóthné Stupián (Sportolj velünk Sportegyesület (SVSE) [Let's Play Sports Sports Association]), Rita Wahab (Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Ltd., Chief of Staff)
The bidding team:
Szilvia Bonyhádi (VEB2023), Dóra Kanizsai-Nagy (VEB2023), Balázs Kiss (Olympic champion hammer thrower), Edit Kővári (University of Pannonia), Zoltán Mészáros (cultural and tourism entrepreneour), Rita Wahab (VEB2023)
The collaboration
The project brings together the local governments of Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region, with the participation of 100 settlements, aims to enable the region to bear this prestigious title in 2026.